The Legal Framework of Internal Auditing in Greek LGOs Before and After the COVID-19 Era: Pros and Cons

In Greece, Local Government Organizations (LGOs) are under the responsibility of the General Government. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, in the above-mentioned organizations, internal audit was exercised following Law 4270/2014 (Article 168). Overall guidance and supervision were provided by the General Accounting Office. However, the number of municipalities and regions that established internal audit departments was very low. According to the post-COVID-19 Law 4795/2021, internal audit is now mandatory. The pros and cons of the new legal system compared to the old one are highlighted in this study through interviews with financial officers, elected officials, and internal auditors.